Automatic Revalidation
Automatic revalidation provides that, under certain circumstances, a person with an expired F or J visa in their passport can reenter the United States from Canada, Mexico and adjacent islands (except Cuba). The absence outside the United States cannot exceed 30 days and the I-94 Arrival/Departure Record must remain valid.
Please check the visa requirements for the country you are traveling to before making travel arrangements. You may require a visa to enter certain countries based on the passport you hold.
Please learn more on the U.S. Department of State website.
Requirements for Automatic Revalidation
To reenter the United States under the benefit of automatic revalidation of visa, students and scholars must meet the following requirements.
- Must have traveled only to Canada, Mexico or adjacent islands.
- Must not apply for a new U.S. nonimmigrant visa during this time.
- Must maintain and intend to maintain a valid nonimmigrant status in the United States.
- Must carry a valid passport with an expired visa, along with Form I-20 or DS-2019 bearing a valid travel signature.
- Must retain and carry a printed copy of their I-94 Arrival/Departure Record when leaving the United States to ensure successful reentry.
- The absence from the United States must not exceed 30 days.
Countries Excluded From Automatic Revalidation
Citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea and Cuba are not eligible for automatic revalidation and must have a valid visa for reentry.
Travel by Cruise Ship
Students or scholars traveling to Mexico or the Caribbean by cruise ship must contact the cruise line before purchasing their cruise package. Not all cruise lines recognize automatic visa revalidation. Confirm that the cruise line will allow travel and reentry to the United States without a valid F-1 or J-1 visa.